Why Does the Electron have Mass?

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The discussion centers on the question of why electrons have mass, a topic that remains partially understood in physics. It highlights that the search for answers is ongoing, particularly at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which aims to explore the Higgs boson and its role in mass. Participants note that the electron's mass is not unique compared to other particles like protons and neutrons. A more pertinent inquiry might be why the electron has its specific mass. Understanding mass is crucial, as its absence would fundamentally alter the structure of the universe.
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I was recently watching a PBS special about quantum physics and they asked why do electrons have mass. I found myself unable to answer this, although I am only in high school physics, but could any of you answer this? Thanks.
 
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We don't comlpetelly undersant why ANYTHiNG has mass, that is one of the things they are trying to understand at LHC (they will be looking for the Higgs boson).
Although I don't quite understand why you are asking specifically about the electron? In this respect the electron is no different than any other particle (proton, neutron etc).
 
A better question would be, why does the electron have the mass that is has?

If it didn't have mass the universe wouldn't be as it is.
 

Thread 'Why measure the speed of light in one direction?'

It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
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